Our Mission and Story The San Miguel School of Washington, DC is a De La Salle Christian Brothers middle school that seeks to transform lives and break the cycle of poverty through education. An independent Catholic school, San Miguel provides a high-quality education to boys from at-risk and low-income backgrounds (+80% of students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch, a key indicator of poverty). Each student is awarded a full scholarship. Scholarships and almost all operating funds are raised through the generosity of donors, businesses, and foundations. San Miguel students experience a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on language arts, science, math, and character-formation, inspiring them to become responsible citizens and achieve their dreams. Many students are the first in their families to speak English fluently, graduate from high school, and progress to college. Our Model Through 9-hour school days and 200-day instructional year, our students raise their reading and math proficiency from an average 1-2 years behind to at or above grade level by 8th grade graduation. San Miguel provides 2 meals and a snack everyday, ensuring our students are nourished and ready to learn. A student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and a cadre of adult tutors keep our class sizes small and allow targeted instruction. Our Results 100% of recent graduates have received acceptance to top private high schools with financial aid 100% graduate testing at or above grade level 100% HS graduation rate (only 56% of Latino males graduate from DC public schools) By equipping our boys with academic skills, social development, and spiritual formation, they are prepared to succeed in high school and become men of faith and service. San Miguel serves as a model of accessible, innovative education, open to boys of all faiths and rooted in the values of St. John Baptist de La Salle (founder of the Christian Brothers and patron saint of educators).
